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“She’s coming to Ravenwood on Monday,” he says. “We can administer the antidote to your grandmother then.”

“Finally.” I sigh in relief.

Over the past week, my grandmother was being weaned off certain drugs that could react negatively with the antidote. I didn’t think Klaus would be able to control what goes on at the hospital, but I guess it’s one of the privileges of being a wealthy man.

I’m so grateful that my grandmother won’t have to live in pain for much longer.

“Vera has one condition, though,” he says slowly.

“What is it?” I ask.

“She said that she needs your grandmother’s consent before giving her the antidote,” he says. “Which means that you’ll have to tell your grandmother about what happened.”

I shake my head.

“Klaus, I can’t,” I say. I can’t even go there.

“She can handle it,” he says. “And I’ll be there with you. It’s going to be okay.”

It’s not about the antidote itself. Telling my grandmother about the antidote also means that I’ll have to tell her about how someone tried to poison her in her own home. And knowing her, she’ll connect the dots straight away.

“What if it’s too much for her?” I ask. “She’s already in a weak state.”

“She’s stronger than you think, Emma,” he says. “She’s the same woman who raised her granddaughter all on her own. She made you the smart, beautiful, and compassionate woman you are today. I think she can handle a little bad news.”

I clutch him tighter.

“I think that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.” I swallow.

Just being in his presence makes me feel like everything will be okay in the world. It’s the kind of relief that’s bone deep. His reassurance and confidence in me mean more than he’ll ever know.

He kisses the top of my head.

“It will all be okay, Emma,” he says.

I believe him when he says that.

But as I stare into the flames, shapes form in my vision. I see an alternate reality. A dual possibility. One where everything that can go wrong will go wrong. One where our relationship will be tested.

I just hope that we’re strong enough to weather any storm.

Because I’m already hopelessly in love with this man.

37

KLAUS

Iflip the ring box open.

The diamond sparkles like a star in the night. I can’t wait to put it on her finger.

It’s Friday evening, which means I’ll have proposed to her by this time tomorrow. I’m going to tell her how I really feel about her. I’m going to tell her that I’m head over heels in love with her. I’ll tell her that I want to spend the rest of my life with her.

My phone rings. It’s Alaric.

“Hey,” I say, picking up.

“Meet me at the club. We need to talk.”